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Leather Development Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Marc Jacobs

Senior Designer, Leather Goods

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$130K/yr

Lead the design and development of handbags and small leather goods from initial concept through ... Manage product development across four seasonal collections simultaneously while maintaining ...

Calpak Travel

$84K - $105K/yr

With a product line spanning handbags, small leather goods, luggage, and accessories, we hold our product to a high standard from concept through launch. The Product Development Operations Manager ...

CALPAK

Product Development Operations Manager

Gardena, CA · On-site

$117K - $146K/yr

With a product line spanning handbags, small leather goods, luggage, and accessories, we hold our product to a high standard from concept through launch. The Product Development Operations Manager ...

CALPAK

Product Development Operations Manager

Gardena, CA · On-site

$117K - $146K/yr

With a product line spanning handbags, small leather goods, luggage, and accessories, we hold our product to a high standard from concept through launch. The Product Development Operations Manager ...

CALPAK

Product Development Operations Manager

Gardena, CA · On-site

$117K - $146K/yr

With a product line spanning handbags, small leather goods, luggage, and accessories, we hold our product to a high standard from concept through launch. The Product Development Operations Manager ...

Cole Haan

Product Developer, Men's Footwear

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

... leather, development and manufacturing processes is preferred * Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills * Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast ...

Four Hands

Director, Upholstery

Austin, TX · On-site

Oversee fabric and leather development by ensuring fabrics and leathers are developed, tested, and ... Enjoy the journey Leadership and Team Management * Lead and mentor team to align with Four Hands ...

Tandy Leather Factory

Retail Store Director

Queens, NY · On-site

$75K - $80K/yr

... talent development, and operational excellence while building a destination for the leathercraft ... the Tandy Leather brand. JOB TITLE: Store Director REPORTS TO: Zone Manager LOCATION: Flagship ...

Tandy Leather Factory

Retail Store Director

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$75K - $80K/yr

... talent development, and operational excellence while building a destination for the leathercraft ... the Tandy Leather brand. JOB TITLE: Store Director REPORTS TO: Zone Manager LOCATION: Flagship ...

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Leather Development Manager information

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$11K

$71.5K

$106.5K

How much do leather development manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for leather development manager in the United States is $71,527.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $55,500.00 and $93,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a leather development manager?

Leather Development Managers are professionals responsible for overseeing the research, sourcing, and development of leather materials used in products such as footwear, apparel, automotive interiors, and accessories. They collaborate with tanneries, suppliers, designers, and production teams to ensure that leather meets quality, sustainability, and performance standards. Their role often includes evaluating new leather technologies, managing material costing, and ensuring compliance with environmental and ethical regulations. Leather Development Managers play a key part in bringing innovative and high-quality leather products to market.

What does a leather development manager do during a typical project cycle, and how do they collaborate with other departments?

As a Leather Development Manager, you will typically oversee projects from initial concept through to production, working closely with design, procurement, and manufacturing teams. You'll be responsible for sourcing and evaluating new materials, ensuring quality standards, and developing innovative leather products to meet client or brand specifications. Collaboration is key—you'll regularly liaise with designers to interpret creative ideas, coordinate with suppliers on technical feasibility, and work with production to resolve any challenges. This role offers opportunities to build cross-functional skills and gain visibility into multiple aspects of product development, making it a strong stepping stone for advancement within the materials or product management fields.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a leather development manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Leather Development Manager, you need expertise in material science, leather processing techniques, and a background in textile or chemical engineering, often supported by relevant degrees or industry experience. Familiarity with quality testing equipment, leather finishing machinery, and standards such as ISO or REACH certifications is typically required. Strong project management, negotiation, and cross-functional communication skills help you coordinate with suppliers, designers, and production teams. These skills ensure high-quality leather products, efficient development cycles, and compliance with industry standards.

What is the difference between Leather Development Manager vs Leather Technologist?

AspectLeather Development ManagerLeather Technologist
CredentialsDegree in Leather Technology, Materials Science, or related field; industry certificationsSimilar educational background; certifications may vary
Work EnvironmentOversees product development, manages teams, collaborates with suppliersFocuses on testing, quality control, and technical analysis
Industry UsageUsed in leather manufacturing companies, brands, and suppliersCommonly employed in labs, quality assurance, and R&D departments

The Leather Development Manager typically leads product innovation and manages development teams, while the Leather Technologist specializes in testing, quality control, and technical analysis. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and certifications, but their focus areas and responsibilities differ within the leather industry.

What are popular job titles related to Leather Development Manager jobs?

For Leather Development Manager jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Leather Development Manager job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $71,527 per year, or $34.4 per hour.

Senior Designer, Leather Goods

Manhattan, NY • On-site

Marc Jacobs
Apparel and Accessories Stores • 11 - 50 employees
Learn more about Marc Jacobsexternal

$130K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

OVERVIEW:
Marc Jacobs International, powered by the creative genius of Marc Jacobs, seeks a Senior designer, Leather Goods to join the Design team based in its New York City (SoHo) headquarters.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
  1. Design & Creative Development
  • Lead the design and development of handbags and small leather goods from initial concept through production.
  • Create innovative silhouettes, seasonal concepts, hardware ideas, and product animations aligned with brand direction.
  • Develop compelling inspiration boards, trend research, vintage references, and competitive market analysis.
  • Translate seasonal direction into commercially relevant products with a strong understanding of color, materials, construction, and functionality.
  • Produce detailed sketches, CADs, technical drawings, and comprehensive tech packs using Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop.
  • Review prototypes and development samples, providing detailed comments and design revisions throughout the product development process.
  • Collaborate with Product Development and factory partners to resolve construction, engineering, and cost challenges while preserving design intent.
  1. Collaboration & Communication
  • Support the Design Director in managing the day-to-day organization of the handbag design team.
  • Help prioritize workload, balance seasonal projects, and ensure an even distribution of responsibilities across the team.
  • Supervise and mentor up to two direct reports, providing guidance, constructive feedback, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Foster a collaborative, positive, and highly creative team environment while maintaining accountability for deadlines and deliverables.
  • Monitor progress against seasonal calendars and proactively identify workflow challenges or resource needs.
  1. Product Management & Quality Assurance
  • Manage product development across four seasonal collections simultaneously while maintaining accuracy, creativity, and speed.
  • Ensure all design deliverables are completed according to seasonal milestones and critical calendar deadlines.
  • Organize seasonal line architecture, product animations, color-ups, presentation materials, and design archives.
  • Maintain Illustrator libraries, CAD files, technical packages, seasonal boards, and product documentation with exceptional attention to detail.
QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelor's degree in Fashion Design, Accessories Design, Industrial Design, or related field.
  • 7-10 years of handbag or leather goods design experience within a luxury or contemporary fashion brand.
  • Proven experience leading seasonal handbag collections from concept through production.
  • Experience managing or mentoring junior designers, including up to two direct reports.
  • Strong understanding of handbag construction, materials, hardware, leather, and manufacturing processes.
  • Exceptional organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities across four seasonal calendars.
  • Comfortable working in a fast-paced, highly creative, deadline-driven environment.
  • Strong presentation, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
  • Advanced proficiency in Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and Microsoft Excel.
  • Highly organized, detail-oriented, proactive, and able to thrive in an environment where product is continually evolving through seasonal development.

SALARY & BENEFITS/WHAT WE OFFER:
The compensation for this position ranges from$120-130k (annually). The rate of pay offered will be dependent upon candidate's relevant skills and experience. In addition, we offer our employees a comprehensive benefits package including paid holidays, vacation time, sick and personal time, medical, dental and vision insurance, and 401k matching. We also offer discounts on travel, entertainment, and more through our partnership with PerkSpot. MJ employees also receive discounts on MJ products throughout the year, as well as access to discounts on other LVMH brands.
ABOUT MARC JACOBS
For nearly 40 years, Marc Jacobs has been a driving force in fashion with his philosophy: pioneering designs, an irreverent spirit, the everyday and the extraordinary. Today, the brand continues to make its Marc as rebellious, unpredictable, and original.
Our work is founded on our core brand pillars: unexpected, utilitarian, urban, unisex, and unique. NYC in design and spirit, our teams thrive off relentless authenticity, an openness to standing out, and inclusivity for all.
EEO STATEMENT
Marc Jacobs International was founded on Marc's vision of celebrating uniqueness and being Perfect as You Are. We are committed to building an equitable and inclusive culture that values diversity of thought, background, and experience - all essential to our spirit of innovation and creativity. In line with this commitment, we believe that the best candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background or may meet the qualifications in different ways. We encourage you to apply even if you don't meet all of the listed qualifications.
Marc Jacobs International is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment regardless of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, veteran status, national origin, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.

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